Apple Bread Pudding

If you’ve been wondering what to do with that leftover bread sitting on the counter, this apple bread pudding is a delicious way to use it! Made with fresh apples, everyday bread, and warm cinnamon, this old-fashioned apple bread pudding recipe takes little effort yet packs plenty of sweet flavor. Serve it with your favorite toppings or a bowl of vanilla ice cream for a delightful and comforting fall dessert that will have the whole family running back for seconds!

Jump to:

• 🌟 Why this is the best recipe
• 📝 Ingredient notes
• 👩‍🍳 How to make this recipe
• 👩‍🍳 Storage & freezing
• 📚 Flavor variations and substitutions
• 🎓 Expert tips to make Apple bread pudding
• 🥣 Equipment notes
• ❓Recipe FAQs
• 👩‍🍳 More sweet breakfast recipes
• Apple Bread Pudding

🌟 Why this is the best recipe

1. It is easy to make - With just seven steps to follow, this simple apple bread pudding recipe is so easy that even beginners with no prior baking experience can do it!
2. No fancy ingredients or equipment are required - This recipe only requires seven essential ingredients and basic household baking equipment. No special grocery trips are necessary!
3. It is absolutely delicious - This apple bread pudding recipe uses simple ingredients and techniques that produce the most tender, fluffy, and flavorful bread. It just may be one of the best apple bread pudding recipes you’ve ever tried!
4. It is incredibly versatile - Essentially a French toast casserole, apple bread pudding is highly customizable with countless ways to dress it and take its flavor to another level. See the Flavor Variations and Substitutions section below for several ideas!
5. It is a detailed step-by-step guide - Unlike some recipes that quickly speed through the steps to make apple bread pudding, this recipe provides the steps, detailed explanations, and tips that explain the science behind the baking. By following this recipe as written, you will end up with delicious bakery-style results in no time!

📝 Ingredient notes

1. Bread - This recipe can use any bread, although drier bread works best. I recommend brioche bread, baguette, white bread, french bread, or challah. If using fresh bread, it helps to first pre-dry it in the oven.
2. Milk - A full-fat whole milk will give you the best taste and texture. I like to use 3% whole milk in my recipes.
3. Egg - You will need four whole eggs to create the custard for the bread.
4. Sugar - Plain, white granulated sugar is all you need to add sweetness to this recipe. You can also use light brown sugar (or a combination of both) to add a hint of molasses flavor to your bread.
5. Butter - Use unsalted butter so you do not change the salt levels in the recipe. I like to use European-style butter with 82% fat in all my recipes, as it provides the best taste and texture. You will need to cut the butter into chunks.
6. Apples - Firm, crisp apples work best for this recipe. The apples should be cut into small cubes.
7. Ground cinnamon - Cinnamon enhances the sweetness and aroma of the bread and gives it a warm flavor.

🛒 You’ll find detailed measurements for all Ingredients in the printable version of the Recipe Card at the bottom of this post

👩‍🍳 How to make this recipe

1. How to make apple bread pudding

1. Start by preheating your oven to 180C / 356F.
2. Cut your bread into small slices or cubes, then move them to a greased baking dish.
3. Place the prepared baking dish with the bread cubes in the oven for approximately 10 minutes to dry out the bread. The temperature should remain at 180C / 356F.
4. In the meantime, prepare the custard sauce by whisking together the milk, eggs, sugar, and cinnamon in a large bowl.
5. Remove the bread from the oven (do not turn it off) and pour the sauce mixture over the top. Let it sit for 15 minutes at room temperature for the sauce to get soaked into the bread.
6. Slice the apples into small cubes and place the apple pieces as well as the butter chunks on top of the sauce.
7. Next, cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake for approximately 40 minutes until golden brown.
8. Remove the baked bread pudding from the oven and let it cool at room temperature for five minutes.

💡 Top Tip: Serve warm, either dusted with powdered sugar, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or why not try my Creme Anglaise homemade custard sauce?

👩‍🍳 Storage & freezing

To store your leftover bread pudding, allow it to come to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for up to four days.

To freeze, let it come completely to room temperature, then wrap it in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil (which will help to prevent freezer burn). Freeze for up to one month and thaw in the refrigerator.

To reheat, place it in the oven for 10-15 minutes or quickly warm it in the microwave for 30 seconds until thoroughly heated.

📚 Flavor variations and substitutions

As if this apple bread pudding wasn’t irresistible enough, there are several ways to enhance the flavor and texture! Try these mouthwatering add-ins and toppings:

With vanilla - Kick up the mouthwatering flavor and aroma with a hint of vanilla extract or bean paste.

With add-ins - Add to the texture and flavor by adding chopped pecans or walnuts, raisins, chocolate chips, or dried cranberries or cherries.

Different toppings - Instead of powdered sugar, you can try topping your apple bread pudding with creme anglaise, caramel sauce, or the creamy chocolate glaze I use in my baked chocolate donuts recipe! 

Different spices - Enhance the warming flavor even more with other spices or spice combinations such as apple pie spice, allspice, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, ground cloves, or cardamom.

Other fruit - Instead of apples, try this recipe with pears for a distinct fruity flavor and texture.

Without butter - If you prefer to make your bread pudding without butter, you can use one of these many butter substitutes instead.

🎓 Expert tips to make Apple bread pudding

1. Always cut the bread into cubes or small pieces before using it. Smaller pieces soak up the custard quicker and make it bake faster.
2. Let the dish set and chill in the fridge overnight before baking for even more flavor.
3. To check for doneness, insert a knife into the center of the bread pudding. If it comes out clean, it is done (it is OK if there are a few moist crumbs on the knife). It should not feel too wet or runny when you press down on the bread.
4. Avoid overbaking the apple bread pudding, as it will make the bread too dry.

🥣 Equipment notes

Always use a digital scale to measure your ingredients for flawless, bakery-style results. A digital scale provides more accurate measurements and eliminates any inconsistencies that can throw off the recipe. Likewise, it helps to have a digital oven thermometer to ensure you have the correct temperature. Some oven models can vary by a degree or two, which can make a big difference to how it bakes.

❓Recipe FAQs

👩‍🍳 More sweet breakfast recipes